Tomato and Basil: Together Forever

Morning Views

Lessons

There are many reasons why we are so drawn to gardening at this point in our lives - a desire to be self-sufficient, connection to the land under our feet, and a way to be present, fully aware of the life around us. I crave, truly yearn, to slow down. So I spent the day with my mother learning the lessons that she learned from her mother. And it was as fulfilling as I imagined.

The Life and Consumption of a Banana Pepper

Grateful

When Gardening Isn't Glamerous

They've Arrived

Really Cute Invaders

I swear these mushrooms arrived full grown in our back yard over night. How did they grow when everything else is brown and dead? I find them endearing, and now I can't stop thinking about cute little alien invasions!

How does your garden grow?

This morning's rain was an unexpected and quieting way to start the day. It did not help me get to work on time, though, because I spent too long listening to it, staring longingly at it, and figuring out how to take rain-pictures out our front door. Our crepe myrtles have been the last to bloom on the block. At first we were worried, and then we realized that they are just waiting to show everyone else up.

Inspiration

I have gladly left the picture taking to S over the past few years. He has a gently creative and analytical eye. And a really nice camera. But, I am now feeling the need to reach out and learn new things. So I braved the mosquitoes and the water logged Sony to try to document our garden as it is right now.

A sampling of our bounty

I suppose I could have moved the the hose out of the way and removed our impromptu compost pile from the middle of the lawn, but this is how it looks most days. Just trying to go for an honest shot, right? Ignore the bare brown spots on the lawn. It's been the hottest and most dry month in history, or something. Next, I will learn to take pictures before the sun starts to go down! Truthfully, this garden - the zinnias and roses and tomatoes - makes me take a deep breath and take responsibility. And now I know how to download pictures and update the blog all by myself.

and when inspiration finally hits you it barely even breaks your fall

-ani d